UK Car magazine classics E39 M5 #2 on list
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This is why the article says "classic in the making."
Well, whadya know? I've gone from no.4 to no.2! 
Couldn't see myself buying a no.1, though.
The Coupe was a complete hooligan blast-mobile and I loved it, just fell out of love when I realised how much it might cost to make it REALLY mint. I should have kept it for what I sold it for and just turned it into a trackday toy. Ah, well..live and learn. The first time I took it up to Cumbria was amazing, it was just one of those times when it all feels...right. I hossed it up there and used two tanks in 190 miles. Brilliant.
Couldn't see myself buying a no.1, though.The Coupe was a complete hooligan blast-mobile and I loved it, just fell out of love when I realised how much it might cost to make it REALLY mint. I should have kept it for what I sold it for and just turned it into a trackday toy. Ah, well..live and learn. The first time I took it up to Cumbria was amazing, it was just one of those times when it all feels...right. I hossed it up there and used two tanks in 190 miles. Brilliant.
How did the magazine arrive at this list? Was it subscriber survey, enthusiast poll or editor's choice? The E39 M5 is truly epic in that it catapulted the Super Saloon race to the next level. Other classics on the list I'd drew over are the R34 Skyline and Noble M12.
An interesting and educated point, I don't think a lot of current and recent performance cars will be surpassed by later generations, manufacturers focus on different aspects of appealing to the car-buying public. Progress? Sad.
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Have you driven any of them? The magazine was from the U.K. I expect the mix to be different... I would take any of them on the list for sure.. It's my dream to live in Europe and drive a good mix like that someday... I'd be in heaven.
Each one of those cars is brilliant - and proves that a car does not need mega levels of horsepower and a 'prestige' badge to be absolutely fantastic.
Interesting point about newer models not necessarily being more desirable to everyone than the older models, and I'm inclined to agree. Many cars seem to be getting bigger, heavier, more complicated and consequently more remote, to the detriment of the simple pleasure of driving.
Interesting point about newer models not necessarily being more desirable to everyone than the older models, and I'm inclined to agree. Many cars seem to be getting bigger, heavier, more complicated and consequently more remote, to the detriment of the simple pleasure of driving.
Agree with all the comments above about those cars capabilities, just didn't want to sound as though I was starting an argument of any kind. Keeping the peace and all that I did wonder if the knockers had actually driven any of them.
And the point about cars getting older and 'fatter', one only has to look at the VW Golf, the Mk1 could knock out seriously expensive cars, whereas I played with an R32 and made two young lads look proper stupid in the Coupe. Four times in as many miles.
I did wonder if the knockers had actually driven any of them.And the point about cars getting older and 'fatter', one only has to look at the VW Golf, the Mk1 could knock out seriously expensive cars, whereas I played with an R32 and made two young lads look proper stupid in the Coupe. Four times in as many miles.
Good stuff, thanks for posting that up.
I've been out in/driven probably half of those, and I'd be happy to own anything on that list. The Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo is a great car (I owned mine longer than any other car) - that said, saying that it "will hold its value" is only true because prices can't fall any further! £2.5k for a decent 20VT? Bargain.
I've been out in/driven probably half of those, and I'd be happy to own anything on that list. The Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo is a great car (I owned mine longer than any other car) - that said, saying that it "will hold its value" is only true because prices can't fall any further! £2.5k for a decent 20VT? Bargain.
Lol, less than half that for mine, Neal, and mine was not far off the 'M5 London' of the Coupe world.
Does the whole future classic dream not kind of spoil the whole enjoyment thing, though? The Escort Cosworth was a fantastic car in it's time, was fairly universally raved about and an icon. But offered the sniff of perhaps making a few quid down the line, they've mostly disappeared into centrally-heated garages and showrooms, probably never to be driven in anger again. I'm reminded of the thread and subsequent sad stories regarding the Sultan of Brunei's collection.
Cars should be driven, and enjoyed.
Does the whole future classic dream not kind of spoil the whole enjoyment thing, though? The Escort Cosworth was a fantastic car in it's time, was fairly universally raved about and an icon. But offered the sniff of perhaps making a few quid down the line, they've mostly disappeared into centrally-heated garages and showrooms, probably never to be driven in anger again. I'm reminded of the thread and subsequent sad stories regarding the Sultan of Brunei's collection.
Cars should be driven, and enjoyed.
Thanks for posting! I'd have to agree with his summation of the E39 M5 100%. After over one year of ownership and 18,000 miles of sheer driving pleasure, I never get tired of what this car can do. Those twisting, hilly country roads are pure bliss in the M5! I think I would have also included the original series 1 XKE Jaguar in this list.
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